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Construction Disrupted

Construction Disrupted

Written by: Peter Sumpton & Ryan Jones
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Construction Disrupted is a podcast for people working in the construction industry who need to stay current without drowning in noise. With a focus on the current, real-world issues across the built environment, the stories behind the headlines, the shifts worth your time, and the ideas to get you thinking. No froth, all coffee. Each episode follows a clear 3, 2, 1 structure: 3 headlines. Covering the most relevant and interesting topics from the world of construction. 2 opinions. Straight-talking analysis and debrief that digs deep beyond each headline. Why it matters and what it means for the future. 1 takeaway. Sometimes practical, sometimes actionable, or perhaps something to make you think. Hosted by Peter Sumpton and Ryan Jones, who bring a combined 40 years in construction and marketing, Construction Disrupted is designed for thought-leaders and decision-makers who prefer podcasts with more substance and less spin. We know the backdrop, fragmented supply chains, rising costs, skills gaps and sustainability pressures, and we won’t rehash doom for the sake of it. Instead, we move past the headlines and delve into the topics that are shaping the industry today, tomorrow, and probably a couple more days after that. Subscribe and join us every week – most weeks, anyway. Expect clear thinking, dry humour and the occasional soapbox moment.Copyright 2026, Peter Sumpton (buildDifferent) & Ryan Jones (SLG Agency) Economics Politics & Government
Episodes
  • Does Construction Have A Jesus Complex? | Episode 129

    Does Construction Have A Jesus Complex? | Episode 129
    Aug 19 2026
    Construction Disrupted Episode 129 - Does Construction Have A Jesus Complex? (19.08.26) in partnership with Adobe Acrobat Studio. Check them out and show them some love.Here's what we're discussing in this episode - Years of fragmented reforms have left education and training pathways confusing for young people and employers alike, with a persistent divide between academic and technical routes. As the government pushes for devolution and local empowerment, new research shows that construction labour markets are becoming more localised, making regional skills strategies more important than ever. Meanwhile, innovation is accelerating, with technologies like atmospheric water generation offering practical solutions to sustainability and resource challenges on site. Let's go!Why construction must get ahead of Burnham’s skills planThe UK’s construction skills system is widely seen as outdated and confusing, with repeated reforms failing to bridge the gap between academic and technical education. Andy Burnham’s new plan aims to elevate technical subjects in schools from age 14, linking them to local job opportunities and devolving education funding to regional authorities.Early pilots, like the Manchester Baccalaureate, have partnered with hundreds of employers to offer T-level placements in growth sectors such as construction and the green economy. However, the sector must actively engage to ensure reforms deliver real workplace readiness, valuable placements, and sufficient funding—especially for SMEs. Without industry involvement, there’s a risk of perpetuating a broken system and missing out on new talent.New report finds increasingly localised construction labour markets support the Government's agendaRecent research from the Construction Industry Training Board (CITB) highlights a shift: construction workers are less willing to travel long distances for work, with only 28% working more than 50 miles from home (down from 32% in 2022).This trend supports the government’s push for localised skills development and technical education pathways for young people. As workforce mobility declines, employers must invest in local training and recruitment to meet regional labour demands. The report stresses that place-based skills strategies and stronger partnerships between employers, training providers, and local authorities are essential to address emerging skills shortages and deliver on housing and infrastructure goals.Read the report: Workforce Mobility research shows that skills strategies must become more localisedTurning air into drinking water: could atmospheric water generation change construction?Atmospheric water generators (AWGs) are emerging as a practical solution for on-site drinking water, extracting moisture from the air and purifying it for consumption. Companies like Altitude Water are promoting AWGs for construction sites, reducing reliance on bottled water and temporary supplies. The technology, already used in disaster relief and remote locations, is gaining traction in the UK due to rising concerns over water security and infrastructure strain.AWGs can be integrated into new developments for direct supply to kitchens and drinking points, while solar-powered mobile units offer off-grid solutions. Although still unfamiliar to many, AWGs could soon become a standard feature on construction projects, supporting sustainability and resilience as water scarcity intensifies.BiosRyan Jones - SLG AgencyFor almost 20 years, Ryan’s focus has been on helping brands in the construction and manufacturing sectors tell their story.His career began in PR, working for global businesses across a variety of sectors, before opting to focus on construction and the built environment.In his role as Managing Director, Ryan works to ensure that SLG Agency continues to be one of the construction industry's leading specialist strategic and creative agencies, having seen its work recognised by the likes of Campaign, Marketing Week and The Drum in recent years.Ryan is regularly asked to speak at trade shows and events, and to contribute thought leadership pieces to trade media. He is also a member of several industry advisory boards, including Constructing Excellence and the Greater Manchester Chamber of Commerce.His passion for the construction sector has seen him work with clients on CSR campaigns that tackle the sector’s public perception, culminating in him recently launching a not-for-profit called Deconstruction.Peter Sumpton - buildDifferentPeter is a construction–marketing strategist and co-host of Construction Disrupted. With two decades’ experience spanning manufacturers, contractors and agencies, he helps organisations swap scattergun activity for clear strategy, joined-up planning and measurable outcomes.His approach is practical and plain-spoken: cut the noise, focus on what moves the numbers, and build repeatable systems that teams can actually use.Having seen first-hand how unfocused ...
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    42 mins
  • Stop, Collaborate and Listen | Episode 128

    Stop, Collaborate and Listen | Episode 128
    Aug 12 2026
    Construction Disrupted Episode 128 - Stop, Collaborate and Listen (12.08.26) in partnership with Adobe Acrobat Studio. Check them out and show them some love.In this episode, we're discussing record housing starts, the urgent need for supply chain collaboration, and the visionary clients behind the UK’s most celebrated new buildings. Let's go.Housing starts hit the highest level since 2023The UK recorded 40,770 housing starts in the first quarter of 2026, the highest since the exceptional surge in Q2 2023. This marks a 14% increase over Q1 2025 and a 7.2% rise from the previous quarter, though starts remain below pre-pandemic levels. England led the way, accounting for 84.5% of all UK starts, with private enterprises responsible for most activity. Wales saw the strongest quarterly growth, while Scotland experienced a decline. Completions also rose slightly year-on-year, but remain subdued compared to historic highs. Industry experts highlight the resilience of private developers amid ongoing viability challenges and emphasise the need for balanced regulation and supportive government policy to sustain momentum in housing delivery.From adversarial to aligned - the case for change in supply chain relationships and why collaboration can’t waitDespite decades of effort, adversarial behaviours persist in construction supply chains, undermining project delivery. Only 58% of projects are delivered on time and within budget, with instability driven by poor estimating, uncontrolled scope changes, and late payments. Globally, 61% of professionals view supply chains as inherently adversarial, and UK architects report a high need for formal dispute resolution. However, 83% believe trust is critical, and 81% say collaboration resolves issues faster. Collaborative contracts offer clear benefits—improving delivery, reducing disputes, and boosting profitability—but adoption remains limited, especially in the UK. The report urges clients, particularly in the public sector, to lead the shift toward collaborative frameworks, as better relationships are essential for future project success.Download the report here: https://www.neccontract.com/insights-supply-chain or analyse the report using this PDF Space: https://acrobat.adobe.com/link/spaces/urn:aaid:sc:EU:c9dbb865-d6f8-43d0-b81a-edbb2c5d3b0dThe clients commissioning the UK's best new buildings – RIBA Client of the Year 2026 shortlist revealedThe RIBA Client of the Year 2026 shortlist honours six clients for their transformative projects:York Minster – Two contemporary buildings forming a public engagement campus at the historic cathedral.British Land for Norton Folgate – Revitalisation of derelict sites into an office-led development in Spitalfields.Sadler's Wells & London Legacy Development Corporation – A new dance theatre and choreography school at Sadler’s Wells East.Redruth Revival CIC for The Buttermarket – Conversion of a historic market into a vibrant, accessible community hub in Cornwall.Brighton College – The Richard Cairns Building, a mixed-use performing arts and teaching facility.Natural History Museum, London – The Urban Nature Project, transforming the museum’s gardens into a living exhibition.These clients exemplify ambition and vision, delivering architecture that benefits users, communities, and visitors. The winner will be announced at the Stirling Prize ceremony on 15 October 2026.BiosRyan Jones - SLG AgencyFor almost 20 years, Ryan’s focus has been on helping brands in the construction and manufacturing sectors tell their story.His career began in PR, working for global businesses across a variety of sectors, before opting to focus on construction and the built environment.In his role as Managing Director, Ryan works to ensure that SLG Agency continues to be one of the construction industry's leading specialist strategic and creative agencies, having seen its work recognised by the likes of Campaign, Marketing Week and The Drum in recent years.Ryan is regularly asked to speak at trade shows and events, and to contribute thought leadership pieces to trade media. He is also a member of several industry advisory boards, including Constructing Excellence and the Greater Manchester Chamber of Commerce.His passion for the construction sector has seen him work with clients on CSR campaigns that tackle the sector’s public perception, culminating in him recently launching a not-for-profit called Deconstruction.Peter Sumpton - buildDifferentPeter is a construction–marketing strategist and co-host of Construction Disrupted. With two decades’ experience spanning manufacturers, contractors and agencies, he helps organisations swap scattergun activity for clear strategy, joined-up planning and measurable outcomes.His approach is practical and plain-spoken: cut the noise, focus on what moves the numbers, and build repeatable systems that teams can actually use.Having seen first-hand how unfocused tactics waste time and budget, ...
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    39 mins
  • Reforming Construction | Episode 127

    Reforming Construction | Episode 127
    Aug 5 2026
    Construction Disrupted Episode 127 - Reforming Construction (05.08.26) in partnership with Adobe Acrobat Studio. Check them out and show them some love.In this episode, we're discussing industry confidence, the future of technical education, and the complexities of reforming construction professions. Let's go!Construction confidence jumps to highest level this yearConstruction firms in the UK are experiencing a surge in optimism, with sector confidence reaching its highest point in over a year. According to the latest Lloyds Business Barometer, confidence jumped 10 points to 56%, well above the 12-month average. Key drivers include stronger customer demand and improved financial conditions, with 65% of firms planning to hire more staff.Optimism about the wider economy is also on the rise, supported by steady interest rates and lower global energy prices. This renewed confidence signals a shift from short-term survival to long-term planning and investment in people and capacity.ICE: Why we need to build technical education to lastSteve Feeley from the Institution of Civil Engineers highlights the cultural shift needed in technical education. He argues that success should not be measured solely by academic routes but by diverse pathways, including apprenticeships and vocational training. The goal is to create a system where all routes - academic and technical - are valued equally, enabling more young people to see themselves in engineering and infrastructure careers.Feeley calls for policymakers to listen to educators, employers, and students, build cross-party consensus, and ensure reforms are practical for schools. The focus should be on connecting existing pathways and supporting teachers, rather than imposing rapid, unsupported changes.Paul Morrell: The problem with reforming construction professions is knowing where to startPaul Morrell, former chief construction adviser, examines the daunting task of reforming construction professions. He notes the complexity of the sector, with numerous stakeholders and overlapping competencies. Morrell warns against creating a "Christmas tree" of regulations and stresses the need for government clarity on its role, whether as sponsor, client, or regulator.He suggests that reforms must be focused, enforceable, and proportionate, with clear standards of competence and accountability. Morrell also emphasizes that government should lead by example, ensuring its own procurement and regulatory practices reflect the standards it expects from the industry.Call for Evidence: Strategy for the built environment professions, trades and occupationsBiosRyan Jones - SLG AgencyFor almost 20 years, Ryan’s focus has been on helping brands in the construction and manufacturing sectors tell their story.His career began in PR, working for global businesses across a variety of sectors, before opting to focus on construction and the built environment.In his role as Managing Director, Ryan works to ensure that SLG Agency continues to be one of the construction industry's leading specialist strategic and creative agencies, having seen its work recognised by the likes of Campaign, Marketing Week and The Drum in recent years.Ryan is regularly asked to speak at trade shows and events, and to contribute thought leadership pieces to trade media. He is also a member of several industry advisory boards, including Constructing Excellence and the Greater Manchester Chamber of Commerce.His passion for the construction sector has seen him work with clients on CSR campaigns that tackle the sector’s public perception, culminating in him recently launching a not-for-profit called Deconstruction.Peter Sumpton - buildDifferentPeter is a construction–marketing strategist and co-host of Construction Disrupted. With two decades’ experience spanning manufacturers, contractors and agencies, he helps organisations swap scattergun activity for clear strategy, joined-up planning and measurable outcomes.His approach is practical and plain-spoken: cut the noise, focus on what moves the numbers, and build repeatable systems that teams can actually use.Having seen first-hand how unfocused tactics waste time and budget, Peter works with leaders to align commercial goals, customer insight and content so marketing supports delivery rather than distracting from it.Peter's passion lies in diagnosing organisations' marketing functions' capabilities and existing market, assembling what’s required to create a functional strategy, fit for purpose and scalable.Marketing should create value, not just cost, and Peter’s work is about making that the norm.
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    43 mins
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